Elf on the Shelf: Day 3

Jingles rode Rudolf last night and brought a treat!

Elf on the Shelf: Day 2

Our elf, Jingles, grabbed all the candy canes and was hiding in the Christmas tree! 

Elf on the Shelf Arrives!

ELF ON THE SHELF - DAY ONE!

Our elf, Jingles, came last night and brought his "Elf on the Shelf" book along with "A Christmas Story" - a board book about the origins of Christmas and  how it is about the birth of Jesus. He also made a lego chair and held baby Jesus!

All of this was a little hard to explain to a 2 year old, but I think he got the gist of it. In simple terms the book explains that Jesus was born on Christmas and that we celebrate his birthday and give each other gifts (like the wise men brought Him gifts) because we love each other. Elf book explains that Jingles will watch us to see if we are being good or bad and report back to Santa. JJ had me read it 3 times in a row! Elf on the Shelf is a hit already! So much fun! :)

JJ playing with the nativity set and loving it! He loved that the elf made a lego chair and said "that's so funny!"

Button Ornament Tutorial

Button Christmas Ornament

I have wanted to make one of these ornaments all year long! I love buttons and have quite a collection of vintage and brand-new colorful buttons. However, do not fear if you are not a collector, craft stores have an amazing selection of buttons and even have whole bags of Christmas colors! I made this ornament in 20 minutes - so it is quick and easy - a great DIY gift or decoration for your tree!

The Materials:

-Foam balls 

-push pins (pearlized shown here)

-colorful buttons of varying sizes (you'll need small ones to help cover the spots in between the larger buttons)

-string or ribbon

Step 1

Push a pin through one of the button holes, 1 pin per button, layering so there is little to no space between the buttons

Step 2

Continue adding buttons in varying sizes and colors to your liking...

It doesn't have to be perfect, once you hang it up you won't be able to see the spaces in between  - just do the best you can, you can always take out the pins and rearrange the buttons. That's the best thing about this project, it isn't permanent!

Step 3

Tie a ribbon or string (I used some thick embroidery thread) onto the top of one of the pins securely, tie the other end (here I tied it in a bow) and push the pin into the top between a few of the buttons where the sides show off the best of  your chosen buttons!

Here is a picture of the finished ornament and the left over supplies I am going to use for more ornaments or a Button Christmas Tree using a foam cone! (I'll post pictures if I make that). Also, I used approximately 1 package of  push pins per ornament but I like to use many small buttons on them - so that might be just me. :)

Happy Holidays and Happy crafting!

Amy

UPDATE:

Made a Christmas Tree from a foam cone and wanted to share this as well! Same concept and supplies just pinned the buttons around the cone instead. Tip: Be careful to pin at a downward angle towards the top of the cone so the pins do not come out the other side!

I think I love it even more than the ornament!

Keeping it together

Trying to keep all the crazy contained... but sometimes it slips through the cracks! :)